Maine's sugar kelp reveals four distinct populations vital for restoration
A study by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has identified four distinct populations of sugar kelp along the Maine coast. This genetic diversity is crucial for the resilience of kelp forests against climate change and supports the state's aquaculture industry.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic structure of marine species is vital for effective conservation and the sustainable growth of the blue economy.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Wild kelp in the Gulf of Maine. Credit: Brian Skerry Saccharina latissima, or sugar kelp, is one of the dominant species in Maine's kelp forests, providing food, habitat and clean water to support a rich marine ecosystem. It is also the bedrock of the state's burgeoning kelp aquaculture industry, which relies on the annual harvest of reproductive tissue from the wild.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in